Turnover mechanism



March 11 1924.

L. J. SCHWAB TURNOVER MEGHANISM Filed Dec. 29. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet l March 11 1924. 11,486,6(39

1.. J. SCHWAB T URNOVER MECHANISM Filed Dec. 29. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q 3.15%.. I TE %.5.

5 cana aiialafis aa I UNETED STATES Patented Mar. ll, 1924.

v eatime rather prance;

LOUIS J. SCHWAB, OFFEORIA, ILLINOIS.

runnovnn nncnamsra To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LouIsJ. SonwAB, a citizen of the United States,-a resident of Peoria, in the county of Peoria and State of Illinois, have invented new and useful Improvements in Turnover Mechanisms, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has reference to turn-over mechanisms for handling stacks of paper,

andjit has for its principal object to provide an o erating means for the clamping or baseards to compress or hold the sheets of paper therebetween; such operating means adapted for pivotal connection with a supporting carrier, whereby the mechanism may be moved from oneplace to another and the position of the sheets reversed, as may be desired.

The invention has for a further object to provide an operating means adapted for operative connection with opposite clamping or base-boards; such means including elements having an approximate central or pivotal position relative to the stack, and operative to simultaneously actuate the operative 7 connections with the clamping or basesheets of paper therebetween.

boards to compress and firmly hold the Means being provided to engage and support the mechanism from said actuating cements and to move the same from place to place.

That the invention may be more fully understood, reference is had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the present description, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of aturn-over mechanism embodying my invention, the

same clamping a stack of paper and elevated ofi the floor;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of- Figure 1, dotted lines showing how the turn-over mechanismmay be turned to reverse the position of the sheets;

Figure 3 is a detail sectional-view as the same would appear on the line 3-3 Figure 2; a v

Figure 4 is a detail. sectional view as the same would appear on the line H Fig-v ure 1;

, Figure 5 is a plan view of the means con-- nected with the clamping or base-board withwhich the .o erating means has connection; Figure 6 1s a detail of one of the supporting and lifting members;

Figure. 7 is a view somewhat similar to of the press,

so that they may be Figure 1 except showing a modified means forapplying pressure to the base-boards Figure 8 is a side view of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, and showing in addition and by dotted lines how the stack is turned;

Figure 10 is a detail of the operating means for drawingfthe clamping means into compressmg pos1tion;

Figure 11 isa further detail of the operating means, also showing one of the elemelts in the supporting and lifting means, an

Figure 12is a perspective view of a connection for the operating means with a clamp or base-board. I 7

Like characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the figures.

The herein described mechanism is more particularly useful in printing establishments; Base-boards, which are useful as clamping or clamps between which the sheets of paper are stacked and compressed are well known,

and large presses are ui ed with liftin means for elevating a b ese oard and sheets thereon into position at the feeding-in end and a similar base-board is placed at the discharge end of the press to receive the sheets as they are printed. When a multiplicity of sheets have been printed and stacked one base-board a similar baseboard is laid on the top of the stack, the top and bottom boards being employed as the means for clamping and compressing the sheets into a compact stack. My improved operating means and connections are then applied, certain elements connecting with the boards with the actuating means located approximately centrally o the stack and on either side-thereof. By the application of a suitable tool to the actuating means the connections are operated-in a manner which will firmly clam the boards against the top and bottom of t e stack and moved toward each until the stack is compressed into a compact mass and firmly'held against movement between theboards. A supporting and lifting means is then connected to the actuating meansand the boards and stack of paper lifted and moved to aposition permitting the stack to be turned, reversing the sheets printed on the unprinted side of the sheets. moved. to the feeding-in end of the machine, elevated to position with the top board re- The stack is then I moved ready for the further printing of the sheets.

For convenience, a stack of sheets is designated A, the same resting on a baseboard 1 and capped by a similar base-board 2, between which the sheets A in the stack are clamped, being compressed by the ap plication of power to the boards to firmly and securely hold the stack of sheets therebetween. These boards are preferably constructed with runners 3 to rest on the floor and elevating the board above the fioor to allow for placing a truck thercbeneath so that the board and paper thereon may be trucked from place to place. The boards 1 and 2 are duplicates of each other and are well known and in general use in printing establishments.

To the opposite ends of each board are connected plates 4 which are preferably curved upwardly as shown, at 5, along their front edges and each provided with a slot 6 opening out of the edge of the plate and extending to a point near the edge of the board. These slots, as will be explained, are adapted to receive elements in the operating connections by means of which the pressure is applied to the opposite ends of the boards 1 and 2 to cause the same to firmly clamp the sheets. therebetween and to hold the same in compact stack form, whereby the boards and stack of sheets may be moved as a single unit from place to place and the boards and stack of sheets turned, to reverse the position of the sheets.

Two forms of operating means are shown for applying the requisite power tothe boards to cause them to clamp the stack of sheets therebetween; the preferred form being that shown in Figure 1 and associated figures, and the modified form being that shown in Figure 7 and associated figures.

, In each form the boards 1 and 2 function alike; also in each form the means for actuating the operating connections between the power means and the boards, is located approximately central of the sheets and includes a pivot means with whichmay be connected the supporting and lifting means, whereby the stack may be lifted and transported and turned to reverse the position of the sheets. The preferred forms of mechanism includes sets of threaded rods 7 and 8, and rod ends 9, 9, pivotally connected with each other and adapted to function like a turn-buckle for moving the rods 7 and 8 toward each other, or to separate the same. The modified form of mechanism includes sets of flexible elements, such as chains 10 and 11, the upper chains and the lower chains connected with separate and distinct rack bars 12 and 13 meshing with a toothed wheel 14 arranged to be actuated so as tomove the said rack bars in opposite directions. A manually actuatable tool in each instance adapted to be employed for actuating the power means to operate the rods 7 and 8, or the flexible elements 10 and 11.

Each rod 7 and each rod 8 has a threaded connection with its rod end 9, the latter having a pivotal relation with each other and with an open ended sleeve 15 forming the pintle connection for said ends 9. There is suflicient play for the rods 7 and 8 in the rod ends 9, as will be seen in Figure 3 so that there is considerable movement of the rods toward and from each other, additional adjustment being provided at the ends of the rods which are threaded in saucer shaped nuts or members 16 which seat themselves on the plates 4 connected with the boards 1 and 2 when the rods 7 and 8 are inserted through the slots 6 in said plates. The pivotal relation between the rod ends 9 and the seating of the nuts 16 give that flexibility necessary to the etlicient operation of a mechanism intended for use, such as that disclosed. To turn the rod ends 9, constituting a turn-buckle, any suitable tool may be inserted in the sleeve 15 and the latter turned or oscillated, the tool withdrawn and inserted in the other end of the sleeve, and such operation continued until the rods 7 and 8 have been threaded into the ends 9 sufficiently to cause the boards 1 and 2 to firmly clamp and hold the sheets A com.- pressed and firmly held therebetween. It is assumed of course, that when the rods 7 and 8 and actuating couplings have been applied to the boards and stack, as shown, that the nuts 16 will be turned to take up the slack and the boards 1 and 2 brought in to firm clamping contact with the top and bottom of the stack A, when the turn-buckle will be actuated to finish the clamping action and the sleeves 15 left with open ends outward to permit the insertion therein of the supporting and lifting means, and with which a pivotal connection is made, whereby the boards and stack may be turned over. In the preferred form the supports are designated 17 comprising bars having loops 18 at their upper ends adapted to be slipped over the ends of an I-beam 3 provided with a link C for coupling to the lifting member of any suitable lifting mechanism, such as a traveling crane, block and tackle or. the elevating device in common use on automatic pile feeders for printing presses or other means. The lower ends of the bars 17 are provided with laterally connected rods or spindles 18 insertable in the sleeves 15 and having grooved protruding ends 19 adapted to be engaged by spring clips 20 connected to one of each of the rod ends 9. The bars 17 not only serve as the supporting and lifting members for the mechanism, but the rod or spindles 18 thereon and the sleeves 15 when connected, form the pivotal connection with the supporting means to aeeaeoe adapt the turning of the stack of paper, as herein disclosed.

The mechanism, as will be apparent, is of the very simplest character and is usuable with very little effort on the part of an attendant or attendants. The clamps or baseboards constitute two of the elements, and upon the removal of the bars 17, after the stack has been lowered with the base-board 1 or 2 resting on the floor, aturning of the rod ends 9 will release the rods 7 and 8 so that they with the nuts 16 and the rod ends may be detached to permit the removal of the top board and sheets of paper, as may be desired. Reversing the operation, as just above described will assemble the parts in operative relation.

Referring to the modified structure a set of housings 21 are provided, one for either side of the stack and to receive a pair of oppositely movable rack bars 12 and 13. Each housing has a short shaft 22 projecting therethrough and havin a squared end 23 to receive a suitable hand shown) for turning the shaft. The gear wheel 1a, referred to, is carried by said shaft within said housing, and on said shaft on the outside of the housing is a ratchet wheel 24 adapted to'be engaged by a pawl 25. There is a short length of shaft left between the ratchet wheel and the squared end to receive the hub of a link 26 to which may be connected a hook 27 having connection with the lower end of the rod 17 It is understood that the operating means and connections are duplicated on either side of the stack. The chains 10 and 11 are each connected with their respective rack, bars'12 and 13' and have a detachable connection with the base-boards 1 and 2 by insertion of the chains in the slots 6 in the platesd. The operation of the mechanism shown in Figures '7 and 8 and associated figures, it is believed will be understood, the efi'ect of which is substantially the same as in the preferred structure and obtained substantially in the same way.

To facilitate the easy and quick turning of the stack after the clamping operation, it is obvious that if the axis of the actuating means is slightly 0d of a center line passing through the stack, as the stack is lifted from the floor it will have a tendency to turn of its own accord.

I am awarethat turn-over mechanisms for various usesare not new, but I am not aware that such a mechanism has ever been devised, where the connections to the clamps are operative from an actuation means which is arranged for coupling to the supporting and lifting means and having a pivotal relation therewith. In other words, where the pivotal connecting means for the mechanism is intended for approximate central location with relation to an axial line extending will not move or slide,

operated tool (not.

ing means,

through the stack, such means including an operating means for applying power through connections to the clamps or base-boards for securely holding a stack of paper therebetween.

My turn-over mechanism is distin uished from others with which I am 'fami iar, in that I provide for clampin the stack of sheets by the clamps or baseards in such a firm and positive manner that the sheets one on the other, when the stack is being turned, which cannot be prevented if the stack is held within a box-like structure, form or crate as has been attempted.

From the foregoing, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is thought the construction, complete operation, and many advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those'skilled in the art to which it appertains. It should also be understood that slight changes in the detail construction of parts may be made without departing from the invention or scope of the appended claims.

at l claim is 1. In a turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, the combination with base-boards between which the stack of sheets is compressed, of an operatin means adapted to e located approximate y central of a line passing axially through the stack and arranged for pivotal attachment to a supporting means to be supported thereby and the stack of sheets turned thereon, and means to connect the boards and operating means,

being adapted to be moved by said operatmgmeans to compress and hold the stack of sheets between said base-boards.

2. he turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, the combination with base-boards between which the stack of sheets is compressed, of duplicate operating means adapted to be placed at opposite sides or ends of the stack and approximatel centrally between the top and bottom t ereot and arranged for pivotal attachment to a supporting means to be supportedthereby' and the stack of sheets turned thereon, and means to connect the opposite ends of said boards and said operating means, being adapted to be moved by said operating means to compressand hold the stack of sheets between said base-boards.

3. In a turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, the combination with base-boards between which the stack of sheets is. com

pressed, of an operating means adapted to e placed approximately midway between the top and ottom of the stack and arranged for pivotal attachment to a su porta support, means to pivotafly attech said operating means'to said support, whereby the stack may be turned over on said support, and means to connect the boards and operating means, being adapted to be moved by said operating means to compress and hold the stack of sheets between said base-boards.

4. In a turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, the combination with base-boards between which the stack of sheets is compressed, of means to apply pressure to the opposite base-boards to compress and hold the stack of sheets there between, comprising board engaging elements and an operating means connecting the same, including means for pivotally supporting said operating means, whereby the stack may be turned over.

5. In a turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, the combination with base-boards between which the stack of sheets is compressed, of operating means arranged for pivotal attachment to a support, whereby the stack may be turned over, operating connections between said operating means and said base-boards adapted to be actuated by said operating means to compress and hold the stack of sheets between said boards, and means for detachably and adjustably connecting said operating connections with said base-boards.

6. An operating mechanism arranged for connection with members between wh1ch material is to be'compressed and held, comprising a centrally located power unit arranged for pivotal attachment to a support, and elements in operative connection with said power unit and extending oppositely therefrom adapted for connection with such members, to be actuated by said ower unit to compress and hold material p aced there between.

7. In a turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, in combination, base-boards arranged to engage the flat surfaces of the top and bottom sheets, an operating means arranged to be located oppositely of the stack approximately midway the top and bottom sheets and to provide elements of a pivot means on which the stack may be turned, and connections extending in opposite directions from the operating means and connecting said operatlng means with said boards, adapted when the o crating means is actuated to move one or botli boards in the direction of the other to compress and hold the sheets in a compact mass.

8. In a turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, in combination, base-boards arranged to engage the flat surfaces of the top and bottom sheets, manually operable means arranged to be located oppositely of the stack approximately midway the top and bottom sheets and to provide elements of a pivot means on which the stack may be turned, and connections extending in opposite directions from the operating means and connecting said operating means with said boards, adapted when the operating means is actuated to move one or both boards in the direction of the other to compress and hold the sheets in a compact mass.

9. In a turn-over mechanism for a stack of sheets, in combination, base-boards arranged to engage the flat surfaces of the top and bottom sheets, an operating means arranged to be located oppositely of the stack approximately midway the top and bottom sheets and to provide elements of a pivot means on which the stack may be turned, lifting and supporting means coact ing with said operating. means adapted to provide other elements of said pivot means. and connections extending in opposite di rections from the operating means and connecting said operating means with said boards, adapted when the o crating means is actuated to move one or 0th boards in the direction of the other to compress and hold the sheets in a compact mass.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto afiixgi my hand this 26th day of December,

LOUIS J. SCHWAB. 

